Jeep to offer diesel Grand Cherokee in 2007

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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Jeep to offer diesel Grand Cherokee in 2007

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By DALE JEWETT | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

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AutoWeek | Published 06/01/06, 12:14 pm et

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DETROIT -- The Chrysler group will being selling a diesel-powered version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the U.S. market early next year.

The diesel Grand Cherokee will be powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 with common rail fuel system. It goes on sale in the first quarter of 2007, the Chrysler group said early Thursday. The engine will be supplied by Mercedes-Benz, and the vehicles will be assembled at the automaker's plant in Detroit.

This will be the second diesel-powered Jeep in the automaker's lineup. Last year the Chrysler group launched a diesel-powered version of the Jeep Liberty. Demand for that model has outstripped supply.

The Chrysler group said fuel economy of the diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee will be up to 30 percent higher than a gasoline-powered version of the SUV. The diesel Grand Cherokee will have a driving range of about 425 miles, compared with about 300 miles for a gasoline version.

Press Release from Jeep:

Chrysler Group To Announce First Full-size Diesel-powered SUV in U.S. With Introduction of 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee CRD

Auburn Hills, Mich, Jun 1, 2006 - Chrysler Group will announce today its plans to produce the first diesel-powered, full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) to be offered in the United States. The 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine will arrive at Jeep dealerships in the first quarter of 2007.

“DaimlerChrysler is a leader in automotive diesel applications in Europe, and it makes sense to continue to build on that experience by offering a modern, clean diesel for the U.S. market,” said Craig Love, Vice President -- Rear-Wheel-Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel will offer consumers increased fuel economy, class-leading torque, towing and driving range.”

The new 3.0-liter CRD engine, built by Mercedes-Benz, produces 215 hp (160 kW) @ 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque (510 N•m) @ 1600-2800 rpm and gets an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles city and 23 miles highway. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD offers class-leading torque, outstanding towing capacity (7,400 lbs.), and class-leading driving range of approximately 425 miles. And, clean diesel technology improves fuel economy by up to 30 percent and has up to 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The 3.0-liter CRD engine will be available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Limited and Overland models.

“The 3.0-liter CRD is an efficient, smooth-running, clean engine that delivers fuel economy and performance,” said Bob Lee, Vice President -- Power Train Product Team, Chrysler Group. “Advanced diesel technology has improved over the last several years; engines are quieter and cleaner due to electronic controls, higher fuel pressures and advanced after-treatment systems.”

Chrysler Group was the first automotive manufacturer in the United States to offer a mid-size, diesel-powered SUV, the 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 2.8-liter CRD engine. Based on consumer response, the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty exceeded the company’s expectations. More than 11,000 diesel-powered Jeep Liberty vehicles have been sold since production began. The Jeep Liberty diesel continues to be a strong seller, as consumers realize the benefits of diesel technology.

The Jeep brand also announced earlier in the year that the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee would have a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine, which gives customers the ability to use a fuel with an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E-85) in their vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles support renewable sources of fuel and reduce emissions. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues Chrysler Group’s commitment to alternative fuels and technology.

More than 60 percent of Chrysler Group vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel-powered. Between 2003 and 2007, Chrysler Group will triple the number of diesel offerings outside North America. Of the estimated 20 vehicles available, 12 or more will have the option for a diesel powertrain (up from four in 2003).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 3.0-liter CRD engine is built at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Marienfelde Plant in Berlin, Germany. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.

Jeep Brand

Jeep has seven models in the 2007 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of the brand.

The expansion of the Jeep brand has taken place in just two years. At the start of 2004, the brand’s trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler.

In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. This year, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting this year are three all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Overall sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest total since 2000 -- 476,532 units compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units. Internationally. Outside North America, Jeep brand sales grew 15 percent to 84,019 units in 2005. The positive momentum for the Jeep brand has continued during the 2006 calendar year.

Flavio Zanetti

Boston, MA

Gm does not have engines for the simple reason Gm engineers do not know how to make them and you are most probably not going to believe it but those Mercedes engines are better than petrol, much more torque and no noise for the simple reason that the mechanical injector pump is replaced by electronic injection system, no noise at all.

Other reason for late developement of diesel in the us, is the high sulfur content of the diesel distributed in the us; those new engine cannot run with the old type of diesel available at the pump

here in europe , 68 ù of cars are now diesel, it's going to be the same in 10 years in the us with the increase of gas:icon_surp

All those soccer moms will

be saying "eewww... it's smelly..."

I would really test drive it..

When the Touareg V10 TDI came in, too bad it did cost 60 grand, otherwise my girl would have loved that.....

Flavio Zanetti

Boston, MA

^yes in only in their commericial lines for the u.s.

I drove the CRD Liberty when it came out (Jeep guy at heart) and I really liked it...expensive though particuarly with what diesel prices have been doing.

If I were one to keep a car for a long time (I am not) and I tow (I do) this would be a no brainer...my Hemi JGC was great but thirsty

do toyota and honda make diesel engines too?

Not in the US

be saying "eewww... it's smelly..."

What, the diesel smell or the "fish" smell?

here in europe , 68 ù of cars are now diesel, it's going to be the same in 10 years in the us with the increase of gas:icon_surp

Very doubtful. In the US, there is only one sedan for sale in US as a '07 model - it's the Benz.

Also, there are only two SUVs for sale - the Jeep Liberty and supposed the Jeep Cherokee will be offered.

As for pick up trucks - there are several, but this morning waiting for a bus, there was a brand new turbodiesel dodge pick up,

which sounded like a full sized semi truck.

I think the reason the US doesn't have diesels is because the US exports diesel fuel.

Very doubtful. In the US, there is only one sedan for sale in US as a '07 model - it's the Benz.

Also, there are only two SUVs for sale - the Jeep Liberty and supposed the Jeep Cherokee will be offered.

As for pick up trucks - there are several, but this morning waiting for a bus, there was a brand new turbodiesel dodge pick up,

which sounded like a full sized semi truck.

I think the reason the US doesn't have diesels is because the US exports diesel fuel.

I do disagree with you Mike...

I would agree with you if the gas prices were indeed 1~2 dollars, but not at way over 3 bucks...

The Federal Reserve increased the rates last week for a reason, and the reason is that Americans never owned so much as at this time. People used to spend 120-150 bucks a week in gas, now they are spending 250-300 and this difference are where? In their credit cards.. So the government is really worried about this, and is indeed trying to slow down a little, in order not to generate inflation...

Look at Honda offering Fit, and Toyota offering the Yaris, both cars which have been sold all over the world fbut or years, and only now they are available here? Why? Just because people are starting to worry about gas money, something that never happened before.

If the emissions were so strict by this year, I would imagine a lot more diesel cars would be already here by now...

Instead of 12 MPG, making 20+ and better throttle response, and cleaner emissions, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a no brainer!!!

I really wish Audi offerered more Diesel cars in the US, and so did Subie!!!!

Flavio Zanetti

Boston, MA

Diesel Interrupted VW's vehicle supply to be limited in '07 in order to make injection switch http://www.autoweek.com/graphics/aw_spacer.gif

By RICHARD TRUETT | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

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AutoWeek | Published 06/05/06, 12:32 pm et

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DETROIT -- North American Volkswagen dealers next year will have fewer diesels to sell at a time when demand is growing.

Next year, Volkswagen AG will change its diesel systems from an old-style mechanical fuel injection system to a new high-pressure electronic version.

As a result, VW will have limited availability of Jetta and Touareg diesels during the changeover scheduled for the automaker's 2007 model year.

The diesel versions of the Golf, New Beetle and Passat will be out of VW's U.S. lineup for the 2007 model year and are scheduled to return in the first quarter of 2008, said VW spokesman Keith Price.

VW will build about 10,000 Jetta diesels for the United States between now and Dec. 31. They will be sold as 2006 models and probably will run out sometime next summer, said Price. Then VW will have just one diesel - the Touareg - in its lineup until January 2008.

Price estimated VW would import only about 1,500 Touareg diesels in 2007.

VW sells about 25,000 diesels a year in the United States.

Price said the Touareg diesel will not be available in California and four Northeastern states that have adopted California's strict emissions standards.

VW is one of a few automakers that still use a mechanical fuel injection system on its diesel engines. Most other automakers switched years ago to computer-controlled common-rail systems that make a diesel run smoother and quieter and produce less pollution.

The switchover will take almost a year because VW says it needs the time to ensure that its new system will meet stringent U.S. emissions regulations for new low-sulfur diesel fuel that will reach the United States this fall.

Price said VW's 607 U.S. dealers have not been notified of the company's plans to allocate the slim number of diesels.

Traditionally, about 10 percent of VW's U.S. sales have been diesels, but demand has been growing as gasoline prices hover near $3 a gallon.

Some of the company's most loyal buyers have been its diesel customers, Price said.

Because there are no other diesel-powered cars in VW's price segments, the company isn't worried about losing sales during the changeover.

"We will have a little bit of hiccup in the short term. But we have been the volume player all along," said Price.

"Is someone cross shopping a Jetta TDI against a Mercedes-Benz E-320 CDI that costs twice as much? I didn't think so."

I do disagree with you Mike...

 

I would agree with you if the gas prices were indeed 1~2 dollars, but not at way over 3 bucks...

 

The Federal Reserve increased the rates last week for a reason, and the reason is that Americans never owned so much as at this time. People used to spend 120-150 bucks a week in gas, now they are spending 250-300 and this difference are where? In their credit cards.. So the government is really worried about this, and is indeed trying to slow down a little, in order not to generate inflation...

 

Look at Honda offering Fit, and Toyota offering the Yaris, both cars which have been sold all over the world fbut or years, and only now they are available here? Why? Just because people are starting to worry about gas money, something that never happened before.

 

If the emissions were so strict by this year, I would imagine a lot more diesel cars would be already here by now...

 

Instead of 12 MPG, making 20+ and better throttle response, and cleaner emissions, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a no brainer!!!

 

I really wish Audi offerered more Diesel cars in the US, and so did Subie!!!!

 

Flavio Zanetti

Boston, MA

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of diesels, but feel that there isn't

much being done to make them availible to the US market.

My point was the soccer moms will resist diesels because of the smell of the fuel at the pumps and the exhaust.

A serious investment in Biodiesel infrastructure could bring prices back to $2-$2.50/gal, using renewable resources. SUVs with smaller turbo diesels can easily make more torque than current gas engines with better economy. Unfortunately, the govn't and industry don't seem too interested...

My point was the soccer moms will resist diesels because of the smell of the fuel at the pumps and the exhaust.

Diesel pumps stink. The moment you touch one you will smell like diesel for the rest of the day. It's because some trucks fuel tanks don't have the ventilation system like their gas counterparts, so instead of the pump shutting off by itself, diesel can come spraying out causing the whole pump to stink like fuel. That is why you often see truck drivers wearing gloves while pumping fuel.

Diesel pumps stink. The moment you touch one you will smell like diesel for the rest of the day. It's because some trucks fuel tanks don't have the ventilation system like their gas counterparts, so instead of the pump shutting off by itself, diesel can come spraying out causing the whole pump to stink like fuel. That is why you often see truck drivers wearing gloves while pumping fuel.

Yeah, diesel pumps at truck stops will have that problem. Just don't buy diesel at the truck stop, get it at a regular service station. No problem.

And 376 ft/lbs torque as low as 1600 RPM...

Diesels aren't about horsepower...

LOL. A Jeep Grand Cherokee with 215hp. Better hope that all of your driving is downhill . . .

LOL! Not to insult you, but this is an uneducated comment. HP is a function of Torque over time. At 5250 RPM, HP actually will equal Torque. Torque is actually what moves your car. The Torque on a Turbo Diesel will typically be way, way higher then peak HP.

Take a look at the Torque curve on a Cummins Dodge Pickup, Duramax Diesel, or a Ford Powerstroke. Any of those pickups could probably drag an LGT (e-brakes and trannie locked) up a steep incline without sweating a drop. For that matter, take a look at the torque a CRD Liberty makes.

Turbodiesels are SOOOO strong down in the low RPM range, they can move mountains.

I wonder how much that engine can be modded.

Imagine 325 hp and 560 lb ft of torque

Errr.... it can be modded A LOT! Check out the Banks Gorilla Suburban from Xtreme 4x4 on PowerBlock! If I remember correctly, it makes over 1000 ft-lbs of torque. Turbo diesels performance-wise have only recently come to the forefront of peoples minds. Why? I don't know.

http://www.bankspower.com/onTelevision.cfm

Check out the ECU programmers - crazy. 150 ft-lb increases with a simple plug-n-play mod.

http://www.bullydog.com/GM_2006.php

http://www.bankspower.com/app.cfm?appid=AD05

This is sick too - the Audi V12 TDI:

http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en1/experience/motorsport.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/13/audi-v12-tdi-a-quantum-leap-in-diesel-technology/

And check this out:

To prepare the Dakota, Banks fitted the truck with a modified Cummins 5.9-liter turbodiesel, producing 735 hp and more than 1,300 lb-ft of torque. Don Alexander drove the Dakota across the flats, setting a two-way record at 217.314 mph and an exit speed of 222.139 mph, surpassing the existing record of 159.647 mph

I wonder how much that engine can be modded.

 

Imagine 325 hp and 560 lb ft of torque

The engine power programmers are awesome for diesels. My dad has the Edge kit for his Powerstroke and it is UNBELIEVABLE.